Generally, all carriers measure text messages in character batches, often referred to as "segments". When you send SMS messages using Aloware Broadcast or Sequence, it's important to understand how SMS segments work and how they affect your costs.

An SMS segment refers to a single portion of a text message when it is split into smaller parts for transmission purposes. Standard SMS messages are typically limited to 160 characters when using the GSM 7-bit alphabet. If a message exceeds this character limit, it is divided into multiple segments, each of which must be transmitted separately.

But what happens when you send longer messages?

Since the 160-character limit may not be enough when running campaigns or marketing initiatives, longer messages will be divided into "segments" with a 153-character per sending. The recipient will still receive the message in the correct order.

For example, if you send a 163-character SMS, it will be split into two: one with 153 characters and the other one with ten characters.

Including special characters or emojis changes the encoding from GSM-7 to UCS-2, thereby reducing the character limit from 160 to 70 characters per segment.

For example, a message with an emoji will have a limit of 70 characters per segment instead of 160. If the message exceeds 70 characters, it will be converted to MMS if the "send long text messages as MMS" feature is enabled.

Aloware bills the SMS usage per segment sent because this is how mobile carriers charge their rates.

If you are not familiar with messaging segments, you may wonder why you are charged for what appears to be a higher messaging cost. The charges for each number of characters are listed below.

Try Aloware’s segment calculator to see how many segments your text message contains. Read this guide to learn more.

It is best to plan your message campaign with the message segment in mind. When sending longer messages is required, then it's best to consider the additional costs.